Divine Providence 101

This is my journey of how I began to understand divine providence. I am hoping to show you how it works and to remind you that God is always within you strengthening you as your carry your cross to Calvary.

Do I deny Divine Providence working for the good of all things in these chaotic times? What am I to do in the daily situations I find myself in? I know Satan is around seeking to devour souls and that our souls are in a constant state of battle. Especially the souls who are trying to live as Jesus asked us to live. My husband says to me “It takes courage to live.” Courage is a virtue and Mother Mary is the Queen of Virtues; I will look to her for help. In other words, to overcome the vices and strongholds, we need virtues to sustain us when we face the evils of the world. We need to be strong in our virtues, like a fortress in order to help our sisters and brothers who are trapped in the circumstances in life. It takes virtues to be merciful towards them rather than baring false witness against them.

When we accept knowing that Divine Providence is always working in our life, we look to God for help. Spend time alone with Him at adoration, just sitting. It is amazing how much more you can get done.

Saint Francis of Assisi said “He who truly loves his enemy is not ashamed of the injuries his enemy provokes, but rather he suffers out of love of God due to the sin that drags the soul who offended him, and he manifests his love to his enemy with works.” The works St. Francis is referring to is the fruits of the spirit. In Galatians 5:22 In contrast the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. To respond with this we are truly doing the will of God. This is how we continue to carry the suffering for the Love of God and surprise all around us by not giving in to the chaos.

I love reading Padre Pio’s spiritual letters. He helps me so much with my spiritual journey. It so happens at the right time, I get the nourishment I need, you might even dare to say by Divine Providence. Here are some encouraging words from Padre Pio who said this, “Some interior consolations are for the infant souls. They are not signs of perfection. It is not consolations that are needed, but suffering. Aridity, listlessness, helplessness, these are the signs of real love. Suffering is pleasant. Exile is beautiful because by suffering we have something to give to God. The gift of our pain, of our suffering is a great thing, which we cannot do in Paradise.” Embrace your cross and carry it joyfully, because Jesus already won victory for us.